Palestinian Ambassador to Holy See Welcomes Pope Francis in Holy Land

Marking His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit to the Holy Land, Ambassador of Palestine to the Holy See Isa Qassisiya conveyed a message of love and hope. He said:"We expect the Pontiff to work for peace and justice in the Holy Land, especially in Palestine, because the Palestinian people is in dire need of justice, peace, elimination of the occupation as well as achieving freedom and dignity. In this context, the Pope's visit gives hope and support to the Palestinian people and the peoples of the Middle East as a whole."

And added in his statement to abouna.org site: "The Pontiff's visit to Jerusalem has special indications for the Christians of the Holy Land, which gives them hope and emphasizes the Christian presence and its strong significance in the Holy Land."

He added: "The meeting of the Pope with the heads of Churches, particularly in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher have significant implications, as it carries a strong message to the world that we are here, that we will continue to live in the message of Christ, that we will strengthen and reinforce the Christian presence, and that we will stay in Jerusalem, carrying the message of Christ, the message of resurrection and steadfastness.”